Boutique Hotels: Thumbs Up or Down?
Thanks to a plan in the works by Marriott International, a new line of boutique "lifestyle hotels" may soon be coming to street corners across the country. Is this welcome news for travelers? Are these the kind of properties you are looking for?
A few days ago, Bill Marriott, Marriott's CEO, and Ian Schrager, well-known developer of boutique hotels (the Delano in South Beach, Mondrian in Hollywood, and so on) said that they are working together to create a new brand of lifestyle boutique-style hotels.
In their announcement, the two hoteliers underlined that the line will be for guests looking for something more than a bed-and-breakfast, but more of a real different lifestyle experience. Although they were short on details, the new hotels are likely to accent trendy features.Think W, the popular brand introduced a few years back by Marriott rival Starwood hotels.
In my travels, I have stayed in quite a few boutique hotels, including W, Ian Schrager properties and others. I have found that the independently owned boutiques suit me best. Examples: the Art Hotel in Lancaster, Pa., or International house in New Orleans. They often have an intimacy and an individual style that strongly reflects their surroundings.
Do you seek out boutique hotels or detest them? What boutiques do you like, if any? Do you think there is a need for a new boutique brand?
By Gary Lee |
June 25, 2007; 3:41 PM ET
| Category:
Gary Lee
,
Hotels
Previous: Passport Survival Tips |
Next: Where to, Uncle Sam?
View or post comments
Posted by: csdiego | June 25, 2007 3:51 PM
I strongly believe that "chain" and "boutique" are polar opposites. A boutique hotel simply needs to be independent to fit the definition. Two I've really enjoyed are Shutters in Santa Monica, CA and The Key Lime Inn in Key West, both for their location as well as their personalized service. In both cases I chose the properties simply because nothing else was available, and in both cases I've gladly returned. But on the whole, I agree with csdiego that the most important factors are location and value.
Posted by: Karen | June 25, 2007 3:58 PM
I like to be comfortable and feel welcomed and relaxed in a hotel. I'm not interested in pretentious hooey that is so self-absorbed with its own wonderfulness that the guest is forgotten.
And don't charge me for my WiFi, either, Mr. or Ms. Hip Hotel.
Posted by: Sheila | June 26, 2007 1:24 AM
I'm with the posters more concerned with price, cleanliness and location. Rarely do I spend any real time in a hotel. It's a place to lay my head and grab breakfast. I'm much more interested in what's outside those hotel walls.
Posted by: world traveler | June 26, 2007 8:29 AM
When I travel for work, I can only stay in places willing to honor the Federal Government's per diem rate. When I travel for leisure, I can't afford to stay at most boutique hotels. I like the idea and respect what they want to achieve-- but out of my price range, I'm not going to be able to seek them out for those specialized "experiences" or services. Given the choice of a chain, or a smaller/privately-owned location, I'd prefer a privately-owned place to support their business. A chain hardly needs my money.
Posted by: Casta Lusoria | June 26, 2007 11:57 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
I barely know what a boutique hotel is, and I've never stayed in one, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be willing to pay extra for extra-trendy decor, art on the walls, a hip bar scene or anything like that. The things that matter to me in choosing a hotel are location, room quality, and price. That's it, really.